Hunting down the perfect job? Recruiters share their top tips

Whether you’re finishing uni and planning next steps, or you’ve got some work experience under your belt but want to change tack, landing that dream job is no easy task. But there are a few ways to make it smoother sailing. We spoke with recruitment experts from medical, veterinary and generalist fields for advice on navigating the job market.  

Matching medics with the right career  

MAS Members Moana and Jeremy Bywater started Good Together, a medical recruitment agency, 3 years ago. They’ve helped a wide range of medical experts through the job-hunting process and say it’s all about making sure values and interests align on both sides.   

Recognise that you are an asset 

While it can be tricky sometimes, Moana says working on your sense of self-worth is vital, particularly when starting out in the job market.  

"You are an asset, and just make sure that you take care of yourself in the process." 

It’s easy to feel pressure to quickly secure a job, but she encourages doctors to take a moment and remember their worth. 

"I remember very, very clearly that feeling of real urgency to find the first job because it felt really competitive,” she says. “The risk of that is you can get quite pigeonholed. So just recognise that you are an asset." 

In today's information age, Moana advocates for gathering as much knowledge as possible before making a decision. And it also pays to leverage your networks to find the right fit. 

"Speak to other people who work in the hospital or in the clinic that you're interested in. Word of mouth is something I can’t recommend highly enough." 

Embrace change and flexibility 

Your personal needs and work preferences will shift over the years, and your career trajectory might not be linear, but it’s important to remember it’s all part of the journey. 

"There are different sorts of chapters in your life, and your needs, preferences and capability are going to change depending on which chapter you're in. And that's particularly true for women." 

Her advice? Avoid roles that drain you. "Find roles that you feel really aligned with, not roles that make you feel like you're gonna break. 

"Also, don't get into the mistake of thinking, 'oh my goodness, I'm however many years out of medical school and I still haven't decided what to specialise in.' Who cares? Just try different things, see what lights you up. 

“There will always be opportunities in medicine, but the key is to pursue paths that nourish both your professional and personal wellbeing.” 

Job hunting tips for new veterinarians 

Julie South is the driving force behind Vet Staff, New Zealand’s only recruitment agency dedicated to the veterinary sector. Her mission is simple: to help veterinarians and veterinary nurses find jobs that excite them and match their passions.  

Customise every application 

Julie emphasises that applying for jobs requires personalisation and attention to detail. “You cannot have a one-CV-fits-all approach to every single job application. It has to be customised.” 

While it might take more time, she says a bit of extra effort makes a difference when it comes to standing out from other candidates. “Tailoring your application to the job you’re applying for shows employers you’re serious and have taken the time to understand their needs.” 

Find your niche and develop your communication skills 

When it comes to choosing a career path in veterinary medicine, Julie encourages new graduates to find their focus as soon as possible. 

“Try to hone in on your area of interest as soon as you can, and then choose a clinic that supports that,” she says.” Whether you want to work with companion animals, production animals, or mixed practice, having a clear direction helps you find the right opportunities for your long-term goals.” 

Once you’ve identified your career pathway, it’s important to keep working on those interpersonal skills: “With every four-legged heartbeat comes a two-legged person. Strong communication skills are crucial for building relationships with clients and ensuring their satisfaction. This is just as important as clinical expertise.” 

Prepare for behavioural interview questions 

Interviews are a critical part of the job search, and many employers will ask behavioural questions. Julie recommends mastering the STAR framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for structuring responses.  

“Learn that framework, and then it doesn’t matter which question somebody throws at you, you have a way to answer that intelligently. This approach helps you stay calm and organised, which means you’ll make a positive impression.” 

Manage your online presence 

In today’s digital world, your online presence matters. Julie advises all job seekers to make sure their social media profiles are professional and up to date. “If somebody sends me a CV, the first thing I do is Google them,” she says.  

She stresses that consistency is key, so your LinkedIn profile should always match your CV. And while you’re at it, Julie also suggests reviewing your social media privacy settings to ensure there’s nothing visible that could harm your professional image. 

Helping young professionals find their career footing 

Hannah Lewis is an associate consultant at recruitment firm Robert Walters. She works with jobseekers across a range of career fields and has some top advice for grads and early career professionals. 

Don’t be afraid to change course 

Have a sneaking suspicion you’re on the wrong path? Follow your interests and try a new direction, says Hannah. 

“If you go to uni and realise, ‘Oh wow, this paper or this aspect of the course just isn’t quite me’, it’s completely fine to change. You're still so young, it’s better to make those changes now than go through with something that you're not 100% into.” 

She also emphasises the value of taking time to figure out your path: “I think taking a bit more time to kind of decide what you want to do and whether you even enjoy what you’re studying is really beneficial.” 

Find out what you value 

When it comes to finding the right career, Hannah encourages graduates to consider what drives them. 

“There’s a few things that go into someone being fulfilled in a job whether it’s money, potential for progression, the work itself – it’s about finding out what’s most important to you. 

“By focusing on what energises you and aligns with your values, you can better identify the career paths that suit you best.” 

Build your confidence 

For those new to the job market, building confidence in your abilities is essential. Hannah highlights that gaining real-world experience and trusting in your skills can go a long way in making you more comfortable during the job hunt. 

“Don’t undervalue yourself. Getting some work experience, even in different fields, can help you gain a broader perspective and grow more confident in your career decisions.” 

Be open with your recruiter 

There are many misconceptions about working with recruiters, but Hannah says they are there to support you. 

“We genuinely just want the best outcome for you. Whether that's through us or through your own connections, we actually don’t care, we just want you to get the best job,” she says. 

“Working with a recruiter means having someone guide you through the entire job search process, and if you’ve got any kind of issues or concerns, never feel afraid to voice them. The best thing you can do is just be completely transparent with us. 

“By understanding your values and being open about your needs, you can find the right job that aligns with your professional and personal goals.” 

After some more expert advice? Book in with a MAS Student Adviser for a no-obligation chat about your insurance options and future finances.